CAPE VIDAL

Accommodation at Cape Vidal:

This pretty bay is supported by a variety of accommodation set back in the dunes. There are 18 five-bed and 11 eight-bed fully equipped log cabins. Multi-bed cabins (sleeping 8 - 20) may be hired on the shore of Lake Bhangazi.

Cape Vidal also has 50 Caravan and tent camping sites in the dune forest near the beach. Bhangazi Bush Lodge, 10 km from the hutted camp, sleeps eight guests in four self-contained, fully equipped units.

There is a fairly safe area for swimming. Wildlife especially birds, is abundant and self guided trails enable enthusiasts to some of the most astounding bird life in South Africa.

Other South African Hotels and accommodation is available in St Lucia, from this area you can have an ideal South African Holiday, especially staying at St Lucia Safari Lodge from where the whole of this Top South African Nature Destination can be explored. St. Lucia Safari Lodge offer discount (Specials) if you stay for 3 days or more

Activities at Cape Vidal:

Cape Vidal bay has a designated launch site for ski boats and deep-sea fishing and other popular water sport. It is sheltered and superb for snorkeling at low tide. Cape Vidal is near the site of the Dorothea shipwreck, a wooded barque which was lost in heavy weather in January 1898. She apparently was carrying gold from the Transvaal. The whereabouts of the Dorothea has never been uncovered, however snorkelers and divers may come across a chain in the bay which is claimed to have come from the wreck.

Cape Vidal has the best of all worlds with access to the eastern shores of Lake St Lucia where there is a variety of game including Reed buck, Rhino, Kudu, Zebra, Buffalo, other antelope, Hippos, and Crocodiles. Spectacular water forest and the massive Lake of St. Lucia is something special to see and never to be forgotten.

The marine habitat along the Natal North Coast is the route used by Humpback Whales on their yearly northerly migration from Antarctica to Mozambique to calve. They then remain in the warm waters until the calves have developed sufficiently to be able to return to the South safely. Other "big game" include Migratory Marlin, Sailfish and Dolphins. During Summer the loggerheads and leatherback turtles come onto the beach to lay eggs.

Guided Tours to Cape Vidal:

School Groups that make use of accommodation in St. Lucia can make arrangements through the Crocodile Centre to visit Cape Vidal for the day or small groups can stay at Cape Vidal.

There are Safari Tour Operators in St. Lucia that cater for School Group and Tour Group guidance for a vast array of adventure tours. St. Lucia Safari Lodge, your 3 star holiday Lodge can arrange all types of guided tours for guests staying at the lodge.

Malaria precautions are advised for visits to Cape Vidal. - see malaria map

The beautiful, Cape Vidal, renowned for its sport fishing and snorkeling, it's scenic coastal camp is situated on the north of the Eastern Shores area of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. There is a relatively safe area for swimming, wildlife, especially birds, is abundant and self-guided trails enable visitors to see some of the surrounding wetlands and Lake Bhangazi.  

Cape Vidal Gate Times :

Summer : (01 October -31 March) 05h00-19h00
Night Before public holiday, long weekend and on a Friday)05h00-21h00

Winter : (01 April - 31 September) 06h00-18h00
Night Before public holiday, long weekend and on a Friday)06h00-21h00

Emergency Numbers : (All Hours)

082 493 9010 - Manfred Bronkhorst, Hospitality Manager
082 841 5953 - Fortunate Mbuyazi, Receptionist
082 559 2875 - Leo Frankel, Hospitality Manager, St. Lucia

Office Hours:

The office is open from 08h00 to 12h30 and from 14h00 to 16h30
Sundays and public holidays: 08h00 to 12h30 and 13h30 to 15h30

Distance and Time from Gate to Camp:
35 km's and 30 minutes.
Camp Telephone Number:(035) 5909012
Camp Fax:(035) 5909007
Check Out Time: 10h00
Check In Time: 14h00

Shop at Cape Vidal:

This sells curios and limited supplies

Special Precautions:

Even though Cape Vidal is a low risk malaria area, special precautions are necessary.The nearest town which has a full range of services is St. Lucia which is 35 km's away.

How to get to Cape Vidal:

At the entrance to St Lucia village turn left at the T junction and take the road that goes past the Crocodile and Snake Centre to the Cape Vidal entrance gate. Travel on the tar road for 35 km's to Cape Vidal camp. Please abide to the speed limit!!

Pets are not permitted in the reserve.

Motorcycles are not permitted in the reserve.